Brazilian pepper is a small evergreen tree or large shrub, growing up to 30
ft. It typically grows multi-stemmed trunks producing crossing branches to
form dense thickets. Alternately arranged leaves, 5-8 in long, are pinnate
with 3-13 leaflets. Leaflets are 1-2 in long, the midrib is winged, and the
leaves have a peppery-turpentiney smell when crushed. Brazilian pepper
produces 6 in panicles of tiny white flowers, followed by bright red
berrylike drupes that persist all winter until eaten by birds.